Football as an instrument of expression. The ball rolled again at Mestalla, a month after the last match it hosted (Valencia-Getafe on October 21), but it was a special return, one of the most emotional days experienced in the Valencian stadium. A heartfelt tribute to the 223 victims and the thousands affected by the storm of October 29 was the preamble to Valencia-Betis on matchday 14.
For the return of football to Mestalla, the entity chaired by Peter Lim made buses available to members of the devastated municipalities. Among the club’s social mass there are about 8,500 subscribers from the municipalities shaken by the water, that is, 20% of the stadium.
The Mestalla stadium paid tribute to the Valencian people hit by the storm of October 29
In the packed stands
Spectacular mosaic forming the senyera and a shocking minute of silence
The tribute acts in the run-up to the match began with the emotional Voices of Valenciathe song of the dana that stirred the stands of Mestalla, colorful with a mosaic forming the senyera, in honor of the towns that suffer and combat the effects of the flood.
Next, a shocking minute of silence silenced the entire stadium with respect and contemplation.
On the grass, the gigantic four-bar flag donated by Real Madrid, which was displayed at the Bernabéu, with the players forming a respectful formation.
The back of the cardboard shown in the mosaic with the list of the towns affected by the storm
As a sign of respect for the deceased, the Valencian players changed their usual white t-shirt for a completely black kit, with the particularity that on the chest, instead of the sponsor, they wore the motto “Amunt valencians!”, and on the back later, under the number, the inscription “Units com semper”.
The shirts will be auctioned for the benefit of those affected. Likewise, all the proceeds obtained from the sale of tickets at the box office will be used to help the return of sports and educational activities for affected boys and girls.
Valencia joined the emotional tribute on the pitch with an early goal from César Tárrega in the 7th minute, a player from Aldaia, one of the towns most affected by dana. A 1-0 that made Valencia dream of their second victory in the League in 12 games.
However, the joy could not be complete, since Betis equalized after 13 minutes with an own goal from Hugo Duro. The Betis players had the detail of celebrating the goal wearing the Valencian flag.
Mestalla thanked the gesture with loud applause.
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